Tag: meet the staff

Getting to know the MYL fam! This week, hear from Nick about citizenship and caffieneation.

Who are you – what’s your name and MYL year, and what positions have you held with the Foundation/at MassSTAR?Hello! My name is Nick and I’m a 2007 MYL alumnus. I originally represented Georgetown Middle-High School and have returned to volunteer at the conference as a member of Junior Operations staff, a Junior Facilitator, and for the past three years as a Senior Facilitator

What are you up to now?This week was probably the laziest week of my entire life, mostly spent sleeping, catching up on TV shows and slowly packing/organizing my stuff to move to New Hampshire. Next week I’ll be starting medical school at Dartmouth!

I graduated in 2013 with a BA in Government and Environmental Studies with the goal of working in the field of environmental policy. However after many years as an EMT I decided I wanted to pursue a career in medicine instead. I spent a few years working in healthcare and preparing to apply to medical school before completing the application process this year.

America runs on Dunkin. You run on ______?5 hours of sleep and a trenta iced red eye* from Starbucks

*For emergencies only, normally a plain iced coffee will do the trick!

If you were a Muppet, who would you be and why?This was a very tough decision between Cookie Monster and Kermit the Frog. I share Cookie Monster’s love of food and appreciate that he finds fulfillment in a very simple passion. I can relate to Kermit’s kindness and empathy and also to the fact that he spends a lot of time trying to control the craziness of his friends and coworkers!

What does it mean to “be a good citizen”?I think citizenship means something different to everyone. It can entail being civically and politically active, raising awareness of causes important to you. In a broader sense, as a citizen of the world, it can mean practicing the values of respect, intentionality, and responsibility that are taught by the MYL Foundation and are crucial to a productive society. I think a good citizen is aware of the characteristics of his or her community and cognizant of the impact his or her actions have on other people.

What’s your ideal superpower?The ability to control time, I could always use more time in the day!

Tell us a memorable MassSTAR story!Some of the most impactful moments for me have been witnessing the development of the next generation of MYL leaders. Whether it be a delegate speaking in front of the group for the first time, or when a former delegate returns to conference staff, or when a delegate is sincerely thankful for the opportunity to participate in MassSTAR. It all makes for a very memorable MYL experience!

On a lighter note, surviving consecutive all-nighters on staff during the earlier days of the MYL conference and the hilarious moments from those nights will always be memorable.

Lastly, I have to mention that Cayla (also recently featured in this blog!) continues to hold a grudge against me for my role in the Ice Cream Game during her delegate year.

Do you have any advice for recent MYL Alumni?Absolutely stay involved with MYL and the alumni association! I have made lifelong friends and developed an endless network of professional colleagues from MassSTAR and it has been incredibly beneficial to have this support network throughout my life. I also encourage everyone to volunteer with MYL in some way, whether that be as staff returning to the MassSTAR conference or with one of our alumni association events. The experience “on the other side” of the MassSTAR conference is memorable and meaningful in different ways than the experience of a delegate.

On a more personal note, after 3 major changes in college, a few mismatched internships, and a lot of soul searching, my most important realization lately has been that it is completely okay at a younger age to not have it “all figured out.” As many of you finish high school and prepare to enter college, pursue advanced training, or begin employment, I think it is important to realize that you are not stuck on one path for the rest of your life. I encourage you to utilize the MYL network to aid you on your individual journeys!

We’re helping you get to know our outstanding alumni, one spotlight at a time! Can you guess which Marvel anti-hero Miriam identifies with?

Who are you?

My name is Miriam Crichlow. I was a delegate to the 2010 conference representing Ursuline Academy. Since my conference, I have served as a junior operations and as a facilitator. I currently serve on the Conference Planning Committee as the director of staff.

What are you up to now?
Right now I am still in Cleveland at Case Western Reserve University, finishing up a few classes for my degree. I’m also working as your friendly neighborhood IT specialist at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences.

What’s your hidden talent?
Surprisingly good bowler. Not a particularly useful talent but has won me free pizza on numerous occasions.

What’s your favorite point of the STAR?
My favorite point of the STAR has to be intentionality. When I first heard the points of the STAR it immediately stuck out to me because I didn’t think it was a real word. However, as I’ve stayed involved in the MYL Foundation I’ve come to realize it’s not only a real word but also a reminder that my actions should be done with and on purpose.

What fictional character is most like you?
I tried taking a buzzfeed quiz for this but I didn’t like the answer so I’m going with Marvel’s Jessica Jones. When it comes to accomplishing her goals she has a real no nonsense attitude I can’t help by respect and admire. She’s also a rare strong female lead in a predominantly male dominated field. As a female computer engineer it’s a good change of pace to see a woman kicking butt and taking names.

Are you a night owl or early bird?
I’d like to believe I’m an early bird then again I also designed class schedules so I never had an 8am in college. If I’ve gotten my 8 hours, then definitely early bird if not I try to do my best to rally.

Tell us a memorable MassSTAR story.
It absolutely has to be closing ceremonies for the 2015 conference. There weren’t enough chairs set up so operations, CPC and the board moved at least 100 chairs from classrooms to the gym. It was a real bonding moment for all of us.

Do you have any advice for recent MYL alumni?
It’s been said before and I’m going to say it again: stay involved with the MYL Foundation. First, speaking as the director of staff, staffing decisions are hugely impacted by your involvement with the organization. Going to alumni events shows you’re still active within the Foundation and a great candidate for a staffing position. Second, speaking as a fellow alum, the MYL family is consistently there to support and help you. Ranging anywhere from writing recommendation letters to calls for a quick vent session – it’s a network of people you can depend on.

We’re helping you get to know our outstanding alumni, one spotlight at a time! This week, find out how many pounds Irene can deadlift (apparently that’s a thing?!)

Who are you?My name is Irene and I am an alumna of the 2011 MassSTAR Citizenship Conference. I have previously served as the Eastern Alumni Association President and Junior Board Liaison. In the past, I’ve been on Junior Operations and a Junior Facilitator at MassSTAR and most recently served as a Senior Facilitator.How did you first become involved with the MYL foundation?I first became involved immediately after my MassSTAR Conference. We had regularly scheduled Alumni Association meetings and I would attend those and volunteer at MYL Foundation group service projects.

What are you up to now?Right now I am doing stem cell research at Boston Children’s Hospital for the summer. In the fall I will start my senior year at Brandeis University and begin applying to PhD programs in biomedical science. I’m currently completing my Open Water SCUBA certification this summer!

Tell us a memorable MassSTAR story?I remember the time we had boxed lunches for an entire MassSTAR Conference because the cafeteria was under construction. It was an interesting food experience…

If you could travel anywhere RIGHT NOW – where would you go?If I could travel anywhere right now, I’d go to American Samoa to visit their National Park.

Do you have any advice for recent MYL Alumni?My advice would be to stay involved. The MYL Foundation provides a massive network of amazing people and the Alumni Association helps you meet alumni from different MassSTAR years. All of our alumni have diverse backgrounds, cool jobs, and community service experiences.